Fisherman's Wharf area hotel idea
Jun 26th, 2008, 04:53 PM
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Fisherman's Wharf area hotel idea
We're a family of 5 and that can be challenging when looking for a hotel in any city. What suggestions can you provide for a hotel near Fisherman's Wharf for a couple nights next summer? And, which airport is most convenient to fly into (or out of) to reach this area of SF.
Jun 26th, 2008, 06:09 PM
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The Argonaut is in a great location, relative to Fisherman's Wharf, and nice hotel for the area. But, it is not the cheapest option around.
SFO is the best option to reach that area. As Southwest flies into Oakland, you may find far cheaper fares into that airport. But, it is not as convenient to and from.
SFO is the best option to reach that area. As Southwest flies into Oakland, you may find far cheaper fares into that airport. But, it is not as convenient to and from.
Jun 26th, 2008, 06:50 PM
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Truthfully, we found that staying outside the city and using our Garmin was about as good as any.
We stayed at Redwood City— about 25 miles from Fisherman’s Wharf. It wasn’t a bad drive at all, even in rush hour-- except for getting out of San Francisco.
Why not stay outside the city for about half the cost of in the city?
But I guess you haven’t much time if you only have two nights. There is just way too much to see and do in SF for that amount of time.
Just my thoughts.
We stayed at Redwood City— about 25 miles from Fisherman’s Wharf. It wasn’t a bad drive at all, even in rush hour-- except for getting out of San Francisco.
Why not stay outside the city for about half the cost of in the city?
But I guess you haven’t much time if you only have two nights. There is just way too much to see and do in SF for that amount of time.
Just my thoughts.
Jun 26th, 2008, 07:28 PM
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We really enjoyed the hotel and the location of the Argonaut. It's convenient to Fisherman's Wharf but not in the center of the action. The cable car turnaround is only steps away, along with lots of bus routes. It's also only a short walk from the departure point of the Motorized Cable Car Tours, which we thoroughly enjoyed (went over the Golden Gate Bridge and back and all over the city). It's also convenient to the boat tour docks.
Jun 26th, 2008, 08:21 PM
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Another for the Argonaut. It's walking distance to all points of interest at the Fisherman's Wharf, and right across the street from Ghirardelli Square and the cable car (and you must walk by the tree man if you're trying to get to the "center" of Fisherman's Wharf).
Another 2 options are the Hyatt and the Sheraton, both of which are very close to Pier 39.
Definitely, SFO is the best airport to fly out of.
Another 2 options are the Hyatt and the Sheraton, both of which are very close to Pier 39.
Definitely, SFO is the best airport to fly out of.
Jun 26th, 2008, 08:29 PM
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We stayed in the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf as well and enjoyed it. The room was clean and comfy and the free breakfast (which is a big plus for a family of 5) was excellent although the breakfast area was generally crowded.
We were a family of 4 in one room and you could probably arrange for a foldaway cot for your fifth person. The room might be a big crowded, but I imagine you will only be there for sleeping.
The best thing about the hotel is the location. It absolutely can't be beat if you want to stay near Fisherman's Wharf!
We were a family of 4 in one room and you could probably arrange for a foldaway cot for your fifth person. The room might be a big crowded, but I imagine you will only be there for sleeping.
The best thing about the hotel is the location. It absolutely can't be beat if you want to stay near Fisherman's Wharf!
Jun 27th, 2008, 08:31 AM
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I don't know these hotels (I live here), but I would suggest confirming with ANY hotel whether five people can stay in one room. I think it's less likely they'll put a cot (due to fire regulations) in a room that already has two beds in it.
Do you need to be IN Fisherman's Wharf area for some reason? There are some very popular motels on this board that I believe are suites, and are not too far from FW -- Chelsea Motor Inn and its sister properties.
By the way, that area of SF is not "easily" reached from ANY airport. SFO is the most convenient, but unless you're driving (and by the way, some of those motels have free parking) or taking a cab, they will require at least one change of public transportation (BART to SF, then at least one bus or trolley ---Faina, where are you??)
Do you need to be IN Fisherman's Wharf area for some reason? There are some very popular motels on this board that I believe are suites, and are not too far from FW -- Chelsea Motor Inn and its sister properties.
By the way, that area of SF is not "easily" reached from ANY airport. SFO is the most convenient, but unless you're driving (and by the way, some of those motels have free parking) or taking a cab, they will require at least one change of public transportation (BART to SF, then at least one bus or trolley ---Faina, where are you??)
Jun 27th, 2008, 08:44 AM
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The suites at the Argonaut are HUGE so it would be easy to fit 2 adults and 3 kids using the pullout in the living room and getting a rollaway. If your budget permits, that would definitely be the best choice IMO.
Jun 27th, 2008, 10:29 AM
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dmlove:
We would like to be in an area for a couple nights that will allow us maximum, easy access to the main sights of San Francisco. We'll also be driving to/from Sacramento to visit relatives. So, the hotel needs to make it simple for us non-city folks to reach Fisherman's Wharf area where we're planning an Alcatraz tour, etc.
We would like to be in an area for a couple nights that will allow us maximum, easy access to the main sights of San Francisco. We'll also be driving to/from Sacramento to visit relatives. So, the hotel needs to make it simple for us non-city folks to reach Fisherman's Wharf area where we're planning an Alcatraz tour, etc.
Jun 27th, 2008, 11:02 AM
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Well, I don't know your budget, but keep in mind when checking hotels that most charge a small fortune to park ($30-$45 a night is not uncommon). Plus hotel taxes in San Francisco are very high, so add that in, too. Based on all the responses you got, if a suite at the Argonaut is in your budget, it sounds like that would be a great choice!
Jun 29th, 2008, 05:18 PM
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Argonaut is not in my budget. Holiday Inn Express is a maybe. What else is CLOSE ENOUGH (is there reasonable parking at Fisherman's Wharf?) to the area and will allow 2 adults/ 3 kids per room?
Jun 29th, 2008, 06:12 PM
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My hubby and I just booked the Columbus Motor Inn in SF for 1 night after reading a post on Fodors. It is very reasonable and the parking is free and only 4 blocks from the wharf. I also think they have suites tho not sure. Check their website, very good reviews.
Jun 29th, 2008, 06:12 PM
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Jun 29th, 2008, 10:03 PM
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Also a family of five and have stayed and attended conferences at The Sheraton. We thoroughly enjoyed the stay... http://www.sheratonatthewharf.com/?P..._031008_NAD_FM
You can walk a short block (or two) in any direction and find plenty of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, eating... including a grocery store. A few blocks up is North Beach (Try Mama's on the Square - in Washington Sq. for breakfast - don't be intimidated by the line out the door, it's normal and moves quickly). Or stay in the Wharf area, which includes Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, and so much more (beach, piers, shops). There's a 7 Eleven right down the street. There's also Rainforest Cafe and the Cable Car connection nearby. Walking to Chinatown is also a possibility. We did it with no issues and we have young children.
The Sheraton is pricey on the weekends and it is summer, but worth the extra few dollars compared to neighboring hotels. We've used the Holiday Inn pool when the Sheraton was under reconstruction and it didn't impress me. We've also stayed in the Hilton and Hyatt hotels nearby. By far I enjoyed the Sheraton best for our family - it has a nautical theme and friendly staff. Valet parking. Close to everything you need or could want.
You can walk a short block (or two) in any direction and find plenty of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, eating... including a grocery store. A few blocks up is North Beach (Try Mama's on the Square - in Washington Sq. for breakfast - don't be intimidated by the line out the door, it's normal and moves quickly). Or stay in the Wharf area, which includes Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, and so much more (beach, piers, shops). There's a 7 Eleven right down the street. There's also Rainforest Cafe and the Cable Car connection nearby. Walking to Chinatown is also a possibility. We did it with no issues and we have young children.
The Sheraton is pricey on the weekends and it is summer, but worth the extra few dollars compared to neighboring hotels. We've used the Holiday Inn pool when the Sheraton was under reconstruction and it didn't impress me. We've also stayed in the Hilton and Hyatt hotels nearby. By far I enjoyed the Sheraton best for our family - it has a nautical theme and friendly staff. Valet parking. Close to everything you need or could want.
Jun 29th, 2008, 10:09 PM
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Sorry, one more thing, we have lived in Redwood City and it is not convenient as posted earlier. If your goal is to be near Fisherman's Wharf, you should stick to your plans of choosing a hotel in the city. It's one thing to stay in Union Square and catch a cab or ride the cable car line, but to drive from Redwood City on 580 or 101 could be troublesome depending on traffic. Don't get me wrong, RWC has a lot to offer if you have the time and are already obligated in being there, but it is a drive and not recommended by this family of 5 to another. You won't get the feel of the City and as a visitor, you should spend your time walking around the various neighborhoods instead of driving down 101. If you want to save money, you could always stay at the hotels near the airport... but I don't recommend it unless you're here on business.
Use SFO over Oakland. It's convenient and in a better area. Unless of course, you have a strong desire to drive over the Bay Bridge.
Use SFO over Oakland. It's convenient and in a better area. Unless of course, you have a strong desire to drive over the Bay Bridge.
